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Carson City staff report hundreds of city trees died over winter; city to study causes and plan replanting
Summary
Dan Arp, recreation superintendent filling in for the director, told the joint meeting that staff have observed hundreds of tree declines in multiple neighborhoods and open spaces, are consulting ISA arborists and university experts, and plan replanting in the fall while investigating causes.
Dan Arp, recreation superintendent, provided a public comment to the joint Open Space Advisory Committee and Parks and Recreation Commission describing widespread tree decline across Carson City after a recent winter.
The nut graf: Arp said staff have documented ‘‘hundreds’’ of trees and shrubs that did not survive the winter in areas including North Ridge Drive and Silver Oak and that the department is consulting certified arborists and university and state experts to determine causes before replanting in the fall.
Arp said staff have consulted two ISA‑certified arborists, a pest‑control expert, a municipal urban forester, a State Department of Agriculture entomologist and a University of Nevada Cooperative Extension horticulturist to investigate the decline. Species affected include multiple oaks, crabapple, plum, flowering pear, ash and sycamore; shrubs included spirea and other ornamentals. Arp said the city turned irrigation systems on in April because of warm weather and increased run times to try to flush soils and mitigate stress.
He listed possible contributing factors under investigation: soil conditions, planting adaptability, herbicide applications used for weed control, overcrowded root systems, pest infestations, disease and unusually low natural moisture during the winter. Arp said trees that cannot be saved are removed by city staff or contractors and the city — a Tree City USA designee — will develop a replanting plan for fall plantings. He directed questions to Park Operations Superintendent David Navarro and provided Navarro’s phone number during the meeting.
Ending: Arp asked the committees to expect follow‑up as the city completes technical assessments and as staff develops a replanting plan for the fall.
